Our top shopping tips for the week

Shopping made simple is our theme this week. Another to-do? Visit a new sweet spot in Uptown Park.

For many of us, shopping is therapeutic. Exploring fabrics, pairing outfits and finding just the right earrings or necklace to complete a look are downright pleasurable experiences. But they’re also time-consuming for even the savviest of shoppers. If you prefer to have your mouse do the shopping, Nordstrom’s new Buy Online, Pick Up In-Store program might be of interest. Shop as you normally would online, then click the “choose a store” option or enter your ZIP code. Within an hour, Nordstroms e-mails confirmation – and your items are waiting at customer service. One caveat: You have to order during regular business hours. Sears offers a similar program – and large items such as appliances are included. Order online and within two hours, Sears sends you e-mails confirming your purchase. The best part about the Sears program? Unless you’ve ordered something large like a washing machine, they bring the items right to your car.

The new Design Rox in The Galleria celebrates its grand opening with a party from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday. Design Rox sells home accessories and furniture, plus well-made and inexpensive jewelry, bags and clothing. Champagne, light bites, a DJ and a 20 percent discount are part of the festivities.

It just seems right that area malls would close down early for the Fourth of July. After all, fireworks and homemade ice cream aren’t exactly mall fare. First Colony, Baybrook, Willowbrook, Deerbrook and The Woodlands malls close at 6 p.m. Friday to honor the holiday. Regular hours resume Saturday (10 a.m. to 9 p.m.) and Sunday (11 a.m. to 7 p.m.).

Although it took a while for the cupcake craze to hit Houston, the latest entry in the bakery business is Crave in Uptown Park. The gleaming shop, which offers more than 20 flavors, bakes limited batches all day so its cupcakes are super-fresh. A feast for the senses, Crave allows diners to watch the entire process, from mixing to frosting. But the most delicious aspect of this cupcake boutique comes at the end of the day, when any unsold goodies are donated to the End Hunger Network. Sweet indeed.